Featured Gallery

Finally cleared for contact, Ryan Mathews suited up in full pads for the first time since fracturing his clavicle on August 9th. He participated on a limited basis, but it was still a huge step forward in his rehab process to get back on the field.

“It was fun to get back out there with my teammates and run around,” he said in the locker room following practice. “I was limited and everything, but I was still able to go out there and practice with my team. I’m healing up. I’ve just got to take it day-by-day and do what I’m doing.”

It’s no secret that the Pro Bowl running back has been itching to get back to playing, but to his credit, he has been patient and taken the proper approach in his recovery.

“It’s kind of like being a caged lion,” said Mathews. “You want to be out there, but you’ve got to be patient and take the time it takes. It’s a broken bone, so I had to wait. But like I said, it’s fun just being out there with the team again, being able to run routes and plays.”

Whether he is able to do so on Sunday vs. the Titans, however, comes down to the joint decision of head coach Norv Turner and Mathews’ doctors.

“I want to play, but it’s up to coach,” he said. “We’re just going to take it day-by-day, and we’ve still got a few days and practices left. I’m going to be out there with those guys, and like I said, I’m just happy to be back and with the team…But I feel good. The trainers and everybody think I’m healing up fine. I’m exactly where I want to be, but ultimately it’s up to coach Norv’s decision.” Read